We have talked about claiming inclusion and that sometimes you have to take the initiative to make inclusion happen. But what do you do when you take the initiative and people still have no interest in changing? Can you relate to hitting that kind of road block? When do you stay and keep trying, or when do you let go and move on?
When You Hit a A Major Road Block
When people become insurmountable road blocks, don't get stuck spinning your wheels. Sometimes when trying to convince people to change, you can be tempted to lower your standards and values to "fit in." Do not sell yourself or your cause short. When you are leading a movement for inclusion you are not in a popularity contest. You may find you are swimming against the current more often than with it. Get used to saying no, prioritizing, and focusing on the things and people who matter! People who create obstacles will teach you what not to do and who you do not want to become. Value the lessons learned and move on! Wheels that spin too long eventually get stuck in a rut they can't get out of. Don't let that be you! Your time, energy, and cause are too valuable.
Become the Pesky Mosquito
If you see people have an interest but they aren't quite ready, play the pesky mosquito that buzzes in their ear at night. They may only hear a faint buzz, but they know you are still in the background making noise. Gentle persistence can sometimes be the key. There are many people who care about inclusion, so keep pursuing them based upon their interest. Just keep buzzing and checking in here and there with these people. Some of my best volunteers have been people I gently kept prodding until they were ready.
When Personalties Don't Jive
When personalities get in the way of solutions, it might be time to delegate that person to someone else who is a better match or simply walk away entirely. Listen to the language of that person. It will tell you a tremendous amount. Does that person say, "We already have a program and do enough for inclusion." These people look to manage, not lead inclusion. I have been leading and learning about inclusion for over 20 years and feel I have barely scratched the surface. You never know too much or reach the finish the line when it comes to growing and developing. People who already think they know it all and have reached the limit of what they are willing to do, rarely are open to change. If your personality is not a good match or the person closes the door, delegate them to another person who maybe a better match or simply walk away.
Life is short and time is one of the only things you cannot get back. As I get older, my time and energy have become something I increasingly hold near and dear to my heart. When it comes to leading inclusion, it is never about ego or winning or losing over people; it is doing the best you can to move your cause for inclusion forward.
Share below what you do when you hit a road block or people become barriers to your cause.
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